Strombolian explosions every 3 – 5 minutes, new scoria cone growing in the crater, Mount Etna

strombolian-explosions-voragine-crater-etna-september-2019

Eruption continues at Mount Etna's Voragine crater with strombolian explosions every 3 to 5 minutes. 

The explosions are ejecting coarse-grained material, which rises to several tens of meters above the crater rim, with some products falling onto the rims and outer slopes of the crater. The accumulation of pyroclastic material around the vent is building a scoria cone within the crater. Occasionally, rather dilute ash emissions are observed also at the Northeast Crater, which are rapidly dispersed in the atmosphere, INGV said in a report published 11:53 UTC on September 15.

The SO2 flux measured with the FLAME-Etna network, as of 09:30 UTC today, shows a mean daily value at a medium-to-low level below the threshold of attention of 5 000 t/g.

New pyroclastic cone forming within the Voragine crater. Image capture from a helicopter on the afternoon (LT) of September 15. Credit: Boris Behncke, INGV-Osservatorio Etneo

During the afternoon of September 13, the mean volcanic tremor amplitude has reached the lowest values recorded since the onset of the latest eruptive activity. During the following days up to the moment of this update, the tremor amplitude has shown a modest increase, remaining, however, at a median level.

As for the localization of the volcanic tremor source, which on Saturday, September 14 was mainly below the Voragine crater, since early September 15, it has been essentially below the Northeast Crater. The tremor source is currently located in that position, at an elevation of 2 700 – 2 900 m (8 860 – 9 510 feet) above the sea level, with a deepening trend.

During the weekend, the infrasonic activity has shown a slight increase in the frequency of events. The sources of the events are foremost the Voragine, and to a rather minor degree also the Bocca Nuova and Northeast Crater.

Data from the ground deformation networks show no substantial variations compared to those given in INGV's previous report, released September 12.

Mount Etna from the south rim of the Bocca Nuova crater on the evening (LT) of September 15. Credit: Francesco Ciancitto, Osservatorio Etneo

Steam condensing during strong strombolian explosions on September 13, 2019. Credit: NOAA

Featured image credit: Boris Behncke, INGV/Osservatorio Etneo

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *